Grenfell bereaved launch claim over ‘personal injury’
LAWSUIT AGAINST THOSE THEY HOLD RESPONSIBLE
PEOPLE bereaved and made homeless by the Grenfell Tower fire have lodged a multi-million pound claim at the High Court against those they believe played a role in the tragedy.
The civil claim was lodged at the High Court just before Christmas.
Court papers name Kensington and Chelsea Council, along with 22 other defendants, including the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation which cared for the 24-storey tower, the London Fire Commissioner, The Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The claims are for “personal injury and other loss and damage” and for the “pain, suffering and loss of amenity” following the fatal fire in June 2017, which claimed the lives of 72 people, including an unborn child.
The claim alleges “the defendants’ failings separately and cumulatively led to or contributed to the disaster, including the failings of their employees or agents for which they are vicariously liable.”
The court papers state that the claims against some defendants are “principally negligence” and/or against some defendants under the Consumer Protection, Defective Premises and Occupiers Liability Act, private and public nuisance.
The claims against public authorities and government departments also include alleged “unlawful acts” contrary to the Human Rights Act.
Other defendants listed in the court documents include cladding manufacturer Arconic Architectural Products SAS in France and its parent company Arconic Corporation in the US, along with Studio E architects, contractors Rydon Maintenance Limited of East Sussex, foam insulation manufacturers Celotex Limited and Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited.